What do Managed Services include?

Source

Most in-house IT departments these days juggle numerous tasks simultaneously, which are all important and urgent. Dealing with routine work such as storage and technical support along with handling strategic responsibilities can be a daunting job. That is why many businesses are opting for a managed services provider (MSP) to meet their IT needs. Doing so enables their in-house IT team to focus on strategic tasks by handing over operational tasks to a third party. Another benefit of employing a managed services provider for a business is the saved cost of staff training, equipment, and new recruits. Instead, you are just presented with a monthly bill by your services provider. It also results in predictable monthly IT costs for your business with little to no variation.

If you have just come across the term ‘managed services’ and are wondering what it includes, let’s take a look at what’s it’s all about.

Networks & Infrastructure

Third party service providers can manage your business network and infrastructure in a couple of ways. One method that they can use is performing maintenance and backups remotely by maintaining virtual servers. Another method is to retain or rent servers in their personal data centers for your business network and infrastructure. Ultimately, the size of your organization and the amount of data that needs to be stored determine which option works.

One of the major benefits of such an arrangement is that it reduces the charges associated with the possession and operation of a data center. As an alternative, you just employ an MSP and work out a service level agreement. Managed storage backup, managed hosting, LANs, and WANs, are all included in this kind of service.

Security

This means outsourcing the cybersecurity model of your business to a third party. It usually includes an antivirus, security reporting, system monitoring, etc. Most of these solutions are installed and monitored remotely, however, some providers also set up a physical fixture in your systems.

Communication Services

Managed communication refers to the merging of the various forms of corporate communication into a single service. Also known as unified communication, it integrates email, chat, voice, video, etc. so that your employees can communicate easily. It eliminates the need to log on to several applications, instead combining various communication forms on one IP network. This could also refer to utilizing a managed call center.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

With this managed service, a provider offers applications using the cloud and serves as the intermediary between business and developer. The company may be able to go through the software developer but going via the service provider is beneficial. The benefit of having software as a managed service is getting the latest updates with no additional charges. Additionally, your business also gets a customer service experience that is tailored to its individual requirements. It is possible that the service provider also happens to be the SaaS provider in some instances. Alternatively, the service resells the software and helps with its installation and integration into a company’s systems.

Support Services

Support services happen to be one of the commonly managed services nowadays. They include helpdesk tasks such as support tickets for IT problems and troubleshooting requirements. The managed services provider caters to daily IT issues including software updates and password reset when providing support services. These services include most devices like mobiles, tablets, printers, etc. A few also offer hands-on support, if required.

Data Analytics

When data analytics is handed to them, service providers assist clients in applying efficient business practices by recording, observing and studying data. This is the new trend in business intelligence that is enabling clients to achieve their targets. It is a useful way for businesses to get their operations looked at by fresh eyes and get innovative solutions.

Print Services

With managed print services, providers are able to remotely monitor, update, and manage the document management infrastructure of your business. It is often required for organizations having intricate file management requirements. It eases the burden of sorting out document management problems from your in-house IT department.

Wireless and Mobile Computing

This managed service offers a wireless facility to your organization while eliminating the hassle of charges and implementation within the company. In addition, a company can use this service to set up internal networks. It goes a long way in saving time and cost of an organization in setting up wireless networks.

 In conclusion, every organization needs IT for its daily tasks as well as IT support to ensure smooth operations. Fortunately, it is easy to find a managed services provider nowadays as they are many operating in the market currently.

So, if your business is struggling with IT issues ranging from troubleshooting to performance drops, you should consider getting managed services. There are various options for you to choose from, and they happen to be quite flexible and affordable.